Category: Smoking Tools

The electronic cigarette craze has opened up a new world of possibilities for smokers. Many are using this tool as a way to kick their old habit of smoking tobacco. They believe that this new trend is healthier and safer while still being similar enough for transitions to be smooth and painless. It’s only health reasons which are attracting people to e-cigs. Users say they actually enjoy it, especially the technical innovations that come with new devices and the variety that you get from e-liquids. These flavored juices come in small bottles but they pack a big punch, lasting hundreds of puffs per milliliter.

The Base

E-liquids are poured into electronic cigarettes where they are heated up until they turn into vapor. This can then be inhaled by the user much like they used to when smoking. The feel is similar as the vapor hits the lungs and is exhaled through the nose or mouth. The main component of these is called the base, usually composed of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. The former is odorless and tasteless which ensures that the flavor will not be affected by it. The downside is that it can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitivities. The latter is a bit sweet and is much thicker but it doesn’t trigger allergies and it can produce more vapor. Sometimes, the propylene glycol is left out with only glycerin being mixed with water.

The Flavors

There are thousands of flavors to choose from today. This is what makes things exciting for a lot of people. It is possible to finish a bottle every single day for several years and never repeat a flavor. They scour the Internet for new products and try them out to see which ones they like. These are affordable enough that you can purchase several bottles without feeling guilty. They are called e-juices sometimes because a lot of the flavors taste like fruits. There’s apple, lemon, orange, banana, grapes, strawberry, mango, and so on. There’s also mint, vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon, and others that will remind you of dessert. The top e-juices get reviewed by aficionados so check them out for ideas on your next purchase.

Nicotine Content

One of the things that make smoking hard to quit is the presence of nicotine in the cigarette sticks. It is highly addictive, making smokers dependent on the substance. They can feel anxious if they try to abstain for a long time. A lot of e-liquids contain nicotine in various concentrations. Those who wish to quit can reduce their dependence on nicotine gradually to let their bodies adapt. For instance, the maximum concentration set by the EU is 20 mg/mL. People can start from this then drop to 18, 15, 10 and so on until they no longer feel the urge to get a nicotine hit.

Manufacturing

Be careful which brand you buy. There are manufacturers of e-liquids all over the world but only a few adhere to high standards when making their products. Most countries don’t even have any standards set for this type of activity given its relatively recent entry into the market. In the US, the American E-liquid Manufacturing Standards Association was formed to ensure high product quality and consumer safety. The standards agreed upon cover sanitation, packaging, labeling, ingredients, and nicotine content.

Risks

Studies have raised concerns about e-cigs and e-liquids as the presence of undesirable substances have been detected in the vapor. These include metals in amounts that exceed acceptable levels. The measurements differ in these studies which point to the possibility that the source of the samples has a profound influence on the outcome. Opt for trusted brands that adhere to strict standards to be on the safe side. It has also been noted that a lot of the top e-juices contain nicotine with only a single digit percentage of products being free of the substance. Read the label before purchase.

Regulation

Governments are slowly waking up to the reality of this e-cig trend. Many are considering regulations on related products but very few have been implemented for now. The regulation of e-liquids is still being debated in a lot of countries so for now, most people can purchase any product freely. The FDA is starting to require premarket authorization and it is interesting to see the effects of this in the years to come.

Vaporizers have surged in popularity partly because of the increasing number of options for vape products and because more and more people are becoming health conscious and ditching habits like smoking in favor of less damaging alternatives. However, with so many options available in the market, finding the right vaporizer for your specific needs requires a little bit of research. Here are the top 5 things you need to consider if you want to find the best vaporizers.

Durability

Durability is an important consideration especially if you are willing to spend a considerable amount of money, and because most vaporizers are used as portable devices. Your device should be able to withstand the abuse of regular use and handling. The good thing is that the top vape brands now produce vaporizers designed to last for several years. These usually come with metal builds or frames for durability, as well as all-metal heating systems to ensure that no part of the device is burned or damaged as the device is used on a regular basis. Aluminum frames and parts also ensure that the vapors are not contaminated with vaporized plastic or other toxic chemicals.

Portability

Most people user vaporizers on the go, which means that portability is a major consideration when looking for a vaporizer. There are portable vaporizers that resemble small drinking flasks and even asthma inhalers, that can easily slip into the front pocket of a coat or blazer. Smaller, pen-type vaporizers are more discreet and are often mistaken for actual pens. However, small sizes do not mean a compromise in quality. You will notice a lot of companies coming out with small vaporizers that are packed full of features, such as multi-temperature settings. Larger portable models come with larger heating chambers, larger LED displays, and more controls.

Vapor Quality

Top vaporizers are known to deliver full, high-quality flavors. This is the result of the right amount of temperature that produces the steam that passes through the herbs or the concentrate. The device should apply sufficient heat to draw out the pure flavor without burning the herbs. Cheaper versions tend to produce more heat which produces more vapor and burns the dry material. While there are those who prefer denser clouds of smoke compared to pure vapors, devices that deliver only true vapors by using the right temperatures are ideal for users who also have medical conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

More and more companies that produce portable pen vaporizers are also coming out with newer designs that ensure that herbs are not burnt inside the heating chamber. These designs include the use of embedded heating coils that deliver the right amount of heat for quality, flavorful vapors.

Ease of Use

Vaporizers are designed to be easy to use because they are often used by people on the go. Most users prefer a device that they can easily plug in, turn on and start using, without any fuss. The simplest devices also tend to be the most popular especially if they are easy to use, durable and produce great vapors. Look for a device that has automated preset levels, only two or three buttons such as those for power and temperature, and a convenient loading chamber that allows for easy loading.

Cost

Of course, it is important to determine how much you are willing to spend, ideally after you have considered the items above. The nicer, more sophisticated models tend to cost up to a couple of hundred dollars and can be intimidating to operate especially for new users. The good thing is that there are so many options when it comes to price points. For example, if you are on a budget, you can start with a concentrate pen, which costs an average of $60 including the cartridge and a battery. Quality versions that are portable but a few sizes larger can set you back from $100 to $300 for the basic kits. More expensive options may come with longer warranties, better construction, and better vape qualities.

Vaporizers are great tools for getting the best therapeutic benefits from your oils and herbs. They also allow users to have more freedom when vaping in public because they are discreet in size. Most importantly, vapor is healthier and do not leave a physical hangover which is typical with conventional cigarette smoking.